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In January 2019, more than 8,000 people were experiencing homelessness in San Francisco, 17 percent more than two years prior, according to the 2019 San Francisco Homeless Count and Survey.
The phenomenon is not isolated. In fact, homelessness has grown for the second year in a row throughout the United States; it’s even being called an epidemic. On a single night in 2018, roughly 553,000 people were experiencing homelessness across the nation, with the highest concentrations in states including California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Nevada and Arizona.
Since its inception, The Salvation Army has sought to bring positive change to the lives of those experiencing homelessness. In light of the national—and Western U.S.—trends, Salvation Army Western Territorial Commander Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder launched The Way Out—an initiative to double the Western Territory’s impact on homelessness between now and 2024.
“In every community we’re going to do what that community needs to have done in order to address this problem,” Hodder told New Frontier Chronicle. “That will look different in different communities, because homelessness spans a spectrum of issues. There are prevention issues, there are crisis issues, there are housing issues, there are addiction problems, there are long-term educational issues. It’s a full range…but The Salvation Army, in this part of the country, has determined we simply must do something about it.”
While The Salvation Army in San Francisco is refining its plan for doubling its impact on homelessness, there are many existing ways it is currently serving the population. While the issue is vast, and getting involved can seem overwhelming on a personal level, there are actions you can take to care about homelessness in San Francisco. Here’s five ways you can join the fight for good.
1. Create hygiene kits for homeless outreach
On Monday and Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon at the San Francisco Service Center, The Salvation Army works to create kits of essential hygiene items for those experiencing homelessness that are comprised of gently used supplies donated by major hotels in the city. Each year, the effort results in more than 1,500 kits that are then distributed at a large-scale outreach event held in mid-May. The opportunity is perfect for groups, too, and the Service Center can accommodate up to 20 volunteers at a time.
Get involved here.
2. Make and distribute meals
Twice a week, The Salvation Army organizes homeless outreach teams to venture into the city to distribute food to those on the streets. Each Wednesday, volunteers from the San Francisco Harbor Light Center gather to make sandwiches and distribute them to those in the Civic Center area. On Friday evenings, another team distributes food in the 6th and Market area.
Get involved by emailing Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Doppler at Melissa.Doppler@usw.salvationarmy.org
3. Get your corporate team involved
While The Salvation Army in San Francisco’s budget accommodates two weekly outreach feedings, Doppler says a third night is often added when a corporate team wants to volunteer and cover the cost. Are you and your coworkers looking to give back?
Get involved by emailing Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Doppler at Melissa.Doppler@usw.salvationarmy.org
4. Educate yourself on the issue
Read the 2019 San Francisco Homeless Count and Survey to learn more about homelessness in San Francisco. From reading the report, you’ll learn the important facts and figures, but you’ll also dig deeper into the causes of homelessness and the obstacles to obtaining permanent housing.
5. Give
Donate to The Salvation Army in San Francisco to fight homelessness in the city. Your gift can help those experiencing homelessness. A $100 donation to The Salvation Army can provide three nights of shelter for those in need.
Know of another way to get involved in fighting homelessness in San Francisco? Comment below.
Do Good:
- Choose one of the five ways to get involved in fighting homelessness in San Francisco and commit to doing so this week.
- Visit westernusa.salvationarmy.org to find The Salvation Army nearest you.
- Give to support the fight for good in your community.
